Voyage instructions

Voyage instructions are the charterer’s written orders to the master for a voyage, covering the load and discharge ports and rotation, cargo details and stowage, speed and bunkering instructions, agents to use, and reporting requirements. On a time charter the charterer has the right to direct employment within the charter’s trading limits, and the master complies subject to safety and the safe-port warranty. Clear voyage instructions govern speed-and-consumption performance, port nominations, and the documentary requirements for bills of lading. Conflicts between charterer’s orders and the master’s safety judgment are resolved in the owner’s favor where safety is at stake.